Truck 63 features a 75-foot ladder that has a reach of approximately seven stories.

Lt. Jeff Taylor of Brevard County Fire Rescue. (Image by Ed Pierce)

Traditional ground ladders extend to 24-feet, or about two stories, Taylor said.

The additional height of Truck 63 will position the department to further improve its response in taller buildings like those found along the coast.

Taylor said the truck also is equipped with a powerful 1,200 gallon-per-minute nozzle that can be used to extinguish fires on higher floors, as well as large fires, without risking firefighter safety.

Each of the Brevard County Fire Rescue ladder trucks is staffed with a Lieutenant, Driver/Engineer and two firefighters. At least one of those crew members is a state certified paramedic, giving the unit an Advanced Life Support (ALS) designation.